Why Wilson Suspects Gatsby of Myrtle's Murder: Understanding the Key Motivations

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Wilson, the owner of a gas station in the Valley of Ashes, is convinced that Jay Gatsby is responsible for the death of his wife, Myrtle. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Wilson's intuition and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event have led him to this conclusion. In this article, we will explore why Wilson believes that Gatsby killed Myrtle and examine the various factors that contributed to this belief.

Firstly, it is important to note that Wilson is not a man who is quick to jump to conclusions. He is a reserved and introspective individual who thinks deeply about the world around him. Therefore, when he begins to suspect that Gatsby might be involved in his wife's death, it is not something that he takes lightly.

Secondly, there are several pieces of evidence that point to Gatsby's involvement in the crime. For one, Gatsby's car was seen leaving the scene of the accident by multiple witnesses. Furthermore, the car matches the description of the vehicle that hit Myrtle. While these may seem like circumstantial pieces of evidence, they are enough to convince Wilson that Gatsby is the culprit.

Moreover, Wilson had confronted Gatsby earlier that day about the car, and Gatsby's behavior had been suspicious. He had been evasive and defensive, which only served to heighten Wilson's suspicions. In addition, Gatsby had been carrying on an affair with Daisy Buchanan, who was driving the car at the time of the accident. This connection further implicates Gatsby in the crime.

However, it is essential to consider Wilson's emotional state at the time of the incident. He was devastated by his wife's death and was looking for someone to blame. After all, Gatsby was a wealthy and influential man who appeared to have everything going for him. For Wilson, it might have been easier to believe that Gatsby was responsible, rather than accept that his wife's death was a random and senseless act.

Furthermore, Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle could also be seen as an expression of his frustration with the social and economic inequality of the time. Wilson is a working-class man who struggles to make ends meet, while Gatsby is a wealthy millionaire who lives in luxury. In some ways, Wilson's accusation of Gatsby reflects a broader societal tension between the haves and the have-nots.

Another factor that may have contributed to Wilson's belief is the fact that he was under a lot of stress at the time. His business was failing, and he was struggling to provide for himself and his wife. The death of Myrtle was the final blow, and it is possible that Wilson's mental state at the time made him more susceptible to believing that Gatsby was responsible.

It is also worth noting that Wilson is not the only character in the novel who is convinced of Gatsby's guilt. Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, also believes that Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death. This convergence of opinion from two very different characters adds weight to the idea that Gatsby might have played a role in the tragedy.

Finally, it is essential to consider the larger themes of the novel when examining Wilson's belief. The Great Gatsby is a story about the American Dream, and how it can lead people to pursue wealth and status at the expense of their morality. Gatsby is a character who embodies this pursuit, and his involvement in Myrtle's death serves as a reminder that the pursuit of the American Dream can have dire consequences.

In conclusion, Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle is a complex issue that cannot be reduced to a single factor. While there are several pieces of evidence that point to Gatsby's involvement, Wilson's emotional state, societal tensions, and the larger themes of the novel all contribute to his conviction. The tragedy serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pursuing wealth and status at any cost.


Introduction

The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells a story of love, wealth, and tragedy. One of the most controversial aspects of the book is the murder of Myrtle Wilson, which is attributed to Jay Gatsby. However, some readers may question why Wilson believes that Gatsby is responsible for his wife's death. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle.

The Scene of the Crime

The night of the murder, Wilson finds his wife dead on the side of the road, having been hit by a car. At this point, he has no idea who the driver was or what car was involved in the accident. He is consumed with grief and despair, but as he begins to investigate, he starts to piece together what happened.

The Clues

Wilson discovers a piece of yellow fabric in his wife's hand, which he later finds out matches the upholstery of Gatsby's car. He also learns that Gatsby was driving his car at the time of the accident, and that he had been visiting Daisy Buchanan, who is Tom Buchanan's wife and Myrtle's lover. These pieces of information lead Wilson to believe that Gatsby was the one who hit and killed Myrtle.

Motive

In addition to the physical evidence, Wilson also has a motive for suspecting Gatsby. He knows that his wife was having an affair with someone who lived in West Egg, and he assumes that it was Gatsby because of the rumors he had heard. When he confronts Tom Buchanan about the affair, Tom confirms that it was indeed Gatsby who was seeing Daisy. This revelation only strengthens Wilson's belief that Gatsby was responsible for Myrtle's death.

Gatsby's Reputation

Another factor that contributes to Wilson's suspicion of Gatsby is the man's reputation. Throughout the book, Gatsby is depicted as a mysterious and shady character who has made his fortune through questionable means. He throws lavish parties, but nobody really knows where his money comes from. This air of secrecy makes it easy for Wilson to believe that Gatsby would be capable of killing someone and then covering it up.

The Green Light

Furthermore, Gatsby's obsession with Daisy adds a layer of complexity to his character. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back, even if it means getting involved in her messy love triangle with Tom and Myrtle. His constant staring at the green light across the bay, which symbolizes Daisy and his desire to be with her, is evidence of his single-minded devotion. This kind of fixation can make a person act irrationally, and Wilson sees Gatsby's behavior as a possible motive for murder.

Confrontation

As Wilson's investigation leads him closer to the truth, he becomes more and more convinced that Gatsby is guilty. When he confronts Gatsby about the accident, Gatsby denies any involvement, but Wilson is not convinced. He tells Gatsby that he knows about his affair with Daisy and that he believes Gatsby killed Myrtle to protect her.

Gatsby's Reaction

Gatsby's reaction to the accusation is telling. He becomes agitated and defensive, insisting that he had nothing to do with Myrtle's death. He also tries to shift the blame onto Daisy and Tom, claiming that they were the ones who caused the accident. However, his protests only serve to confirm Wilson's suspicions that Gatsby is hiding something.

Conclusion

In the end, Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle is based on a combination of physical evidence, motive, reputation, and intuition. Although Gatsby is ultimately not responsible for the death, Wilson's conviction highlights the dangers of jumping to conclusions without all the facts. The tragedy of Myrtle's death is a reminder that actions have consequences, and that the pursuit of wealth and status can lead to devastating outcomes.

The Lesson

The lesson we can take from this is to be careful when making assumptions about people, especially when our emotions are involved. We should always strive to gather all the facts before passing judgment, and consider how our actions might affect others. The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the high price we sometimes pay for our desires.


Why Does Wilson Believe That Gatsby Killed Myrtle?

Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle is rooted in the events that transpired on the fateful night at the Plaza Hotel. The confrontation between Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, Nick, and Jordan was intense and heated. Wilson believes that this confrontation could have led to Gatsby's motive for killing Myrtle.

Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and his willingness to do anything for her also fuel Wilson's suspicion that Gatsby could have been capable of killing Myrtle. The reckless driving of the yellow car that Gatsby drove on the night Myrtle died was seen by witnesses. This further supports Wilson's belief that Gatsby was involved in Myrtle's death.

The Mysterious Disappearance of the Car

After the accident, Gatsby's yellow car mysteriously disappeared, adding to the suspicion that Gatsby was trying to cover up his involvement in the accident. Gatsby's unwillingness to reveal the truth about his yellow car and his whereabouts on the night of the accident also raise doubts about his innocence.

Tom's Confession

Tom's confession to Wilson that it was Gatsby who owned the car and was driving it on the night of the accident further supports Wilson's belief that Gatsby is responsible for Myrtle's death. The gossip of the town, including rumors about Gatsby's criminal connections, also adds to Wilson's suspicion that Gatsby was capable of committing such a crime.

Gatsby's Disappearance

Gatsby's sudden disappearance and his refusal to face the consequences of his actions only strengthen Wilson's belief that Gatsby was guilty of killing Myrtle. Wilson's desperate need for closure and justice for the death of his wife drives his belief that Gatsby is the culprit, even in the face of contrary evidence or opinions.

The Green Light

The green light across the bay that Gatsby always looked at also symbolizes his longing for Daisy and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win her back. This adds to the suspicion that he could have killed Myrtle to protect Daisy.

In conclusion, Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle is not without merit. The events of the fateful night at the Plaza Hotel, Gatsby's obsession with Daisy, the reckless driving of the yellow car, the mysterious disappearance of the car, Tom's confession, the gossip of the town, Gatsby's disappearance, and the green light all contribute to Wilson's belief. However, it is important to note that there may be other possible suspects, and the truth may never be fully revealed.


Why Does Wilson Believe That Gatsby Killed Myrtle?

The Story

Wilson was a simple man who owned a small garage in the Valley of Ashes. He was married to Myrtle, a woman who was unhappy with their life and aspired to live a lavish lifestyle. Myrtle had an affair with Tom Buchanan, a wealthy man from East Egg, who treated her poorly and used her for his pleasure.

One day, Myrtle was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and Wilson was devastated. He couldn't understand why someone would kill his wife and leave her on the side of the road like she was trash. He wanted to find out what happened and bring justice to Myrtle.

Wilson learned that the car that hit Myrtle was a yellow Rolls-Royce, a car that belonged to Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire who lived next door to Tom Buchanan. Wilson believed that Gatsby was the one who killed Myrtle because he saw him driving the car earlier that day.

The Point of View

As an empathic voice, it is understandable why Wilson believes that Gatsby killed Myrtle. He is a grieving husband who is desperate for answers and closure. He sees Gatsby as a symbol of the wealthy elite who live without consequence, while he struggles to make ends meet. Myrtle's death is the ultimate proof of the unfairness of life, and Wilson needs to blame someone for it.

At the same time, Wilson's beliefs are based on circumstantial evidence. He did not see Gatsby hit Myrtle, nor does he have any proof that Gatsby was driving the car at the time of the accident. However, in his mind, Gatsby becomes the perfect scapegoat for his pain and anger.

Keywords:

  • Wilson
  • Gatsby
  • Myrtle
  • Valley of Ashes
  • Tom Buchanan
  • East Egg
  • Hit-and-run accident
  • Yellow Rolls-Royce
  • Mysterious millionaire
  • Wealthy elite
  • Circumstantial evidence
  • Scapegoat
  • Pain and anger

Closing Message: Understanding Wilson's Belief on Gatsby's Involvement in Myrtle's Death

As we come to the end of this blog post, I hope you have gained a deeper understanding of why Wilson believes that Gatsby killed Myrtle. The events leading up to Myrtle's death were complex, with various characters playing a role in the tragic outcome.

While it is clear that Myrtle's death was a result of a hit-and-run accident, the question of who was driving the car remained a mystery. Wilson's belief that Gatsby was responsible for Myrtle's death stems from a combination of circumstantial evidence and his own intuition.

One of the key pieces of evidence that points to Gatsby's involvement is the fact that his car was seen leaving the scene of the accident. Additionally, Wilson's observation of Gatsby's behavior on the day of the accident leads him to believe that Gatsby had something to do with Myrtle's death.

It's important to note that Wilson's belief is not unfounded. Throughout the novel, we see Gatsby engaging in reckless and dangerous behavior, such as his illegal bootlegging operation and his numerous affairs. These actions suggest that Gatsby is not above breaking the law or causing harm to others in pursuit of his goals.

Furthermore, Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and his desire to win her back at any cost is another factor that contributes to Wilson's theory. It's possible that Gatsby saw Myrtle as a threat to his relationship with Daisy and took action to eliminate that threat.

However, it's also important to consider other possible explanations for Myrtle's death. Tom Buchanan, Myrtle's lover, was also present at the scene of the accident and could have been driving the car that struck her. Additionally, it's possible that Myrtle's death was simply a tragic accident with no malicious intent involved.

Ultimately, the truth about Myrtle's death remains elusive, and it's up to the reader to draw their own conclusions. However, Wilson's belief that Gatsby was involved adds an additional layer of complexity to the novel and raises important questions about the nature of truth, justice, and morality.

As we reflect on the events of The Great Gatsby, it's clear that Fitzgerald was interested in exploring the darker side of human nature. The characters in the novel are flawed and complex, and their motivations are often murky and difficult to decipher.

By examining Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle, we gain a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and ideas. We see how even the most well-intentioned characters can be driven to commit terrible acts, and how the pursuit of wealth, power, and love can lead us down a dangerous path.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. I hope it has provided you with a new perspective on The Great Gatsby and sparked further reflection on the novel's themes and ideas.


People Also Ask: Why Does Wilson Believe That Gatsby Killed Myrtle?

1. Who is Wilson?

Wilson is the owner of a gas station in the vicinity of West Egg. He is also the husband of Myrtle, who is having an affair with Tom Buchanan.

2. Who is Gatsby?

Gatsby is a mysterious and wealthy man who lives in West Egg. He is known for throwing lavish parties and is rumored to have made his fortune through illegal means.

3. Why does Wilson believe that Gatsby killed Myrtle?

Wilson believes that Gatsby killed Myrtle because he saw Gatsby's car outside his gas station on the night of Myrtle's death. Furthermore, he had been told by Tom Buchanan that Gatsby owned a yellow car, which matched the description of the car that hit Myrtle.

4. Is there any evidence to support Wilson's belief?

There is no concrete evidence to support Wilson's belief that Gatsby killed Myrtle. However, the circumstantial evidence is strong enough to make him a suspect in the eyes of the police.

5. Did Gatsby actually kill Myrtle?

No, Gatsby did not actually kill Myrtle. It was later revealed that it was Daisy Buchanan who was driving the car that hit Myrtle. However, Gatsby took the blame for the accident in order to protect Daisy.

In conclusion,

Wilson believed that Gatsby killed Myrtle because of the circumstantial evidence he had gathered. However, it was later revealed that it was Daisy who was responsible for her death. Gatsby took the blame to protect Daisy, which ultimately led to his downfall.